Astro Reopens at New Location - Tonight

The new Astro Lounge is bigger, shinier and has a patio.

One of Bend's favorite spots to find a make-out partner is reopening this evening (July 22), says owner Josh Maquet, who has had to do most of the finish work himself in order to speed things along at his new Bond St. space (939 Bond St., briefly occupied by Subway, is a good up-trade for the Astro with the chain sub-shop now gone from downtown).

Thursday, Maquet offered the Source an exclusive private tour of the new and improved space.

Folks will immediately notice the difference in size at the new Astro Lounge. Maquet went from a 45-person occupancy building (which was often compromised) to the ability to entertain 90 cocktail shwillers at once. And with a back door that opens to a large, furnished concrete patio (situated on the same alley as the D&D's back door), Maquet expects more flow in his bar, rather than the camping out that tended to occur at his Minnesota Ave. location.

The new joint looks classy. Exposed older-than-your-parents brick walls, a large bar made from a combo of maple and monkey puzzle tree (seriously) with an unfinished metal wrap, room for live music, several private booths, plenty of table seating and couches mark the highlights at the new location.

Some things haven't changed. Most of the staff made the transfer and much of the local art on the walls will look familiar.

Check it out and let us and Maquet know what you think.

Rocker Jerry Joseph will be the first to play at the new Astro Lounge, with a show set for Thursday, July 28.